Bryant's No. 1 guy is the Bulldogs' No. 1 fan

Jim Donaldson

Thursday

Feb 28, 2013 at 12:23 PM

Check out this e-mail that Bryant University president Ron Machtley sent Thursday morning to all students, faculty, and staff as the Bulldogs prepare to host Robert Morris University in a battle for first place in the Northeast Conference:

Check out this e-mail that Bryant University president Ron Machtley sent Thursday morning to all students, faculty, and staff as the Bulldogs prepare to host Robert Morris University in a battle for first place in the Northeast Conference:

"As I trust you may have heard, tonight's men's basketball game at home against Robert Morris is being billed as perhaps the Game of the Year. Without question, the men's basketball team is having an outstanding season. In fact, in the past 40 years of NCAA Div. I basketball there has never been a turnaround from one season to the next as great as this team has achieved. It is really is a measure of their character and determination and makes us all very proud.

"With March Madness and tournament time rapidly approaching, the Bulldogs have an opportunity Thursday night to make history and reap the rewards of their hard work.

"When Robert Morris University takes the floor against our Bulldogs, not only is first place in the conference on the line and a bid to the NIT, but so too is the potential No. 1 seed in next week's NEC Tournament, the first step for an NCAA play-off berth, as well as the opportunity to host playoff games in our gym in front of our fans. I am sure everyone will join me in congratulating our team and packing the Chace Athletic Center tonight at 7 pm as a collective show of Bryant spirit, wearing our black, and cheering our Bulldogs to victory. Go Bulldogs!"

Coached by Tim O'Shea, and led by Alex Francis, Frankie Dobbs, and Dyami Starks, the Bulldogs this season have become one of the best stories in all of college basketball, as noted in a front-page story in today's Providence Journal by Kevin McNamara.

Just 1-17 last year in the Northeast Conference, and only 2-28 overall, Bryant is 11-5 this season in the league and 18-9 overall going into its all-important game against RMU.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.